IWC - The New Portofino Collection

In just a couple of days, at SIHH 2011, IWC will reveal four brand new Portofino models. As we already mentioned in the announcement for The 21st Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, IWC decided to revamp of one of their older collections. These classical wristwatches got their name upon a small village on the Italian Riviera. This harbor is considered to be among the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. For a long time, the Portofino stands as a synonym for leisure and fine living. The new Portofino collection consists of four models, each with its own individual temperament.

The Portofino Automatic (Ref. 3565) offers hours, seconds and a discreet date display. The basic version of this elegant watch is crafted in red gold, and highlights silver-plated dial. However, the model is also available in stainless steel, with silver or black dial. Practical and very accurate mechanical movement beats inside the 40mm wide case.

The Portofino Chronograph (Ref. 3910) is a bit wider, with 42mm in diameter, and visibly rounder contours and flowing lugs. The watch utilizes 79320 caliber, which offers 44-hour power reserve and automatic winding with a ball-bearing rotor. This model bursts the chronograph dial, and cumulative stopwatch displays are joined by small seconds at 9 o’clock. Crafted in stainless steel, The Portofino Chronograph offers a choice between silver-plated and black dial.

These two models can be further customized with either a strap or a Milanese mesh bracelet. In the spirit of whole collection, Milanese mesh bracelets were invented and very popular in Milano. These are watch bracelets of stylish mesh or very fine links, smooth and very tender on the wrist.

The Portofino Dual Time (Ref. 3610) is designed especially for frequent travelers. The watch has a 24-hour display at the upper half of the dial, and it quickly jumps between different time zones simply by using the crown. Local time is displayed conventionally on the hour and minute hands, while the upper half of the dial informs about the second time zone. The delicate movement is visible through the case-back, and it reveals the engraving “Probus Scafusia” – “Good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen”. The watch is available in red gold with black dial, or in stainless steel with a selection of either a black or a silver-plated dial.

The Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (Ref. 5101) is last but not the least addition to the Portofino family. This watch utilizes brand new in-house movement - the 59210 calibre. This highly reliable movement provides fantastic eight days of power reserve. The dial reveals small seconds at 6 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock and a power reserve between 8 and 9 o’clock. The watch is available in red gold with slate colored dial, or in stainless steel with a selection of either a black or a silver-plated dial.